Humans have used medicinal herbal oils dating back thousands of years. Many of the herbs we work with for fertility health can be of great benefit for the health of the female reproductive system when applied as a massage oil, prior to Self Fertility Massage, or as part of a simple daily abdominal massage. The purpose of using a fertility massage oil is to restore and maintain the health of reproductive system. Specific herbs when applied externally as a medicinal massage oil to the area above the female reproductive organs, may help to dissolve ovarian cysts, soften the tissues of the reproductive organs and surrounding areas, tone the uterus, balance the hormones, increase circulation, increase chi (life force), and increase yin. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yin represents the feminine, promoting a cool, relaxed state of being.
Medicinal herbs contain a variety of natural chemical compounds which, when taken internally or applied externally, have an action on the body. Today I am going to share with you the benefits of applying specific herbs for fertility topically, as part of a fertility massage oil.
Fertility Massage Oil Benefits
Medicinal Herbs And Essential Oils Infused In A Base Oil
All massage oils begin with a carrier oil. A carrier oil is the base in which the herbs will be added. We like grapeseed oil for its very mild odor, long-lasting shelf life and perfect texture. Grapeseed oil is easily absorbed into the skin.
In a base of grapeseed oil, specific dried plant parts can be added, left to sit and steep and, over time, the base oil will extract the medicinal properties of that plant. This makes the base of the medicinal oil.
- Calendula petals (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is probably best known for its excellent action in healing ailments of the skin, but many of its actions support healthy fertility. It is soothing and nourishing to the skin, but it is also anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying for the tissues of the body through its action on the lymphatic system. Calendula promotes regular menstrual cycles, promotes healthy digestion, stimulates liver function, reduces painful menstruation, and diminishes uterine congestion and ovarian cysts.
Yarrow aerial parts (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow relieves inflammation and congestion of the uterus, which aids in pain reduction, as well as proper circulation to the reproductive organs. Yarrow works to detoxify and strengthen the tissue of the reproductive tissues, aiding the body in dissolving ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and foreign tissues. Yarrow is excellent at balancing menstruation, curbing heavy bleeding, yet promoting healthy bleeding for those with scant cycle. It also helps promote proper function of the muscles of the uterus.
Motherwort aerial parts (Leonurus cardiaca)
This herb contains the alkaloid leonurine, which has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle, making it very effective at reducing uterine muscle spasm and cramping, and improving uterine tone. Motherwort supports the nervous system and heart, dispelling depression and relaxing away nervous tension. Motherwort has been placed on the abdomen of women for thousands of years to promote regular menstruation, reduce menstrual cramps, and improve blood stagnation.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
Damiana helps to increase circulation and blood supply to the uterus and vagina in order to oxygenate cells in the region and boost libido. This herb works to increase reproductive chi, is harmonizing for the menstrual cycle, is invigorating and warming.
Additional Benefit: Pure Essential Oils
Once the medicinal herbs are infused in the carrier oil for the appropriate time, they are then strained off; the result of which is a potent medicinal oil. At this point, essential oils, also known as volatile oils, are added.
There are certain herbs that contain volatile oils, which make the plant aromatic; these are known as essential oils. Pure essential oils are extracted by a complex and careful process of distillation, by experts. They are highly concentrated and must always be used topically in a base oil, so as not to hurt the skin. Essential oils have the added benefit of serving mental and emotional health through their scent, as well as positively impacting the physical body.
- Wild French Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is balancing and normalizing for all of the body systems. It is a great circulatory stimulant and immune stimulant, balancing for all body systems, and is very helpful for mood swings associated with PMS or hormonal imbalance. Overall, this herb is very calming and balancing to all aspects of being, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
This oil is an adrenal cortex stimulant, helping to regulate and balance hormones. It also helps to detoxify the lymphatic system, helps to alleviate anxiety, and is an antidepressant. Geranium helps prevent PMS symptoms and is balancing for the entire menstrual cycle. Geranium promotes a sense of security and comfort and strengthens chi. This is one of the best essential oils to counteract mood swings.
Sweet Marjoram (Majorana hortensis)
This is a great oil for preventing and soothing menstrual cramps. Marjoram reduces pain on all levels. This fortifying, comforting, and warming herb helps to relax the muscles. It dilates the blood vessels, promoting a warming effect to where it is applied. Marjoram brings about a sense of comfort. This herb also helps to relieve problems with digestion. It is said that this herb brings out hidden strength and endurance.
Rose Otto (Rosa damascena)
This oil helps promote regulation of the menstrual cycle and has been shown to be helpful for women who have trouble conceiving. Rose relaxes the uterus. It is aphrodisiac, helping to inspire confidence in expressing oneself sexually. It is extremely effective in treating depression and grief.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
The EO of ginger is warming, increasing circulation, and promoting healthy digestion. It is toning to the heart and is said to warm the body and mind. Ginger promotes relaxation and eases tension of the muscles. Psychologically, it is arousing and stimulating. It increases determination and is helpful in aiding the person to follow through with their dreams and goals.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Grapefruit EO is excellent for moving the lymph and moving congestion out of the liver, for improved hormonal balance. It is uplifting, reviving, and cleansing to the mind. Helps alleviate stress, depression, tension and nervous exhaustion. Promotes optimism.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
This EO is hormone balancing, helping to relieve PMS and calm a woman. Clary sage is said to produce a “narcotic like high”, helping to reduce pain. It is an extremely effective uterine tonic and has been said to have estrogenic effects that help to regulate the menstrual cycle. It is also very effective in treating depression and anxiety.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
This sensuous EO helps to release inhibitions, increase libido and bring out fiery passions. The plant helps to relieve nervous tension and depression and counteract anger. Psychologically, it creates a sense of peace and allows for the release of repressed inner feelings.
Click here to purchase a therapeutic massage oil with these ingredients…
How Does Fertility Massage Oil Affect Us Internally?
The Skin
When the body is massaged with an herb-infused oil combined with essential oils, the skin is coated with the oils. Our skin can absorb substances with small molecular structures. The oils are then absorbed into our skin and underlying tissues and taken throughout the body via blood. The particles are taken to where they will be most beneficial. Our bodies have a great intelligence and know where these particles are most needed for healing. Just like when we eat something, our bodies break down and digest the foods, and the different parts of the food (ie: nutrients, minerals, proteins, fats, etc.…), when broken down into particles, are taken to different parts of our bodies, the parts where they are needed.
Once the essential oil particles are in our bodies, they also have an effect on our mind, emotionally and psychologically. Many essential oils not only affect our bodies physically, they may also have the ability to reduce depression, feelings of anxiety, and mental fatigue. Some of the most potent and sweet part of medicinal herbs are their volatile oils.
The Nose and Lungs
The vapors from the oils are breathed into our lungs. The vapors are tiny particles that travel down our airway directly into our lungs. The particles of the essential oils are mixed with oxygen and are exchanged for carbon dioxide when we breathe. The oxygen molecules, along with the essential oil vapors, are carried throughout our bodies via our blood. The olfactory glands signal different parts of the brain and directly link smells to certain memories and emotions. Essential oils smell wonderful, uplift our spirits, as well as heal and promote overall balance through their action on a variety of different aspects that make up who we are; they provide balance throughout the body, mind and spirit.
How to Apply Fertility Massage Oil
This oil is designed for use during Self Fertility Massage. Once you are lying comfortably on your back and ready to begin your guided Self Fertility Massage, dispense one or two pumps of the Fertility Massage Oil into the palm of the hand. With your other hand you can begin to place the oil directly onto your abdomen, or rub hands together to coat with oil and rub in a clockwise motion onto the abdomen just prior to beginning the Self Fertility Massage session. Fertility Massage Oil should also be used while massaging the ankles and the bottoms of the feet as well.
If you do not have time to do Self Fertility Massage some days, go ahead and simply rub the Fertility Massage Oil into the abdomen. It will still be beneficial.
To remove from hands, simply wipe with clean cloth and then wash with soap and water. You can also just keep rubbing it in and allowing it to soften the skin on your hands.
Important caution: Not for use after ovulation if you are actively trying to conceive. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not take Fertility Massage Oil internally. Never apply to broken skin. If you get essential oils in your eye, mouth or open wound, flush thoroughly with whole milk, half ‘n half or buttermilk; the fat molecules from the whole fat milk or cream will absorb and flush away the essential oils. Do not use water; it will just spread the oils around.
- Farrer-Halls, G. (2005). The aromatherapy bible: the definitive guide to using essential oils. New York: Sterling Pub. Co.
- Hoffmann, D. (1990). The new holistic herbal: a herbal celebrating the wholeness of life. Longmead, Shaftesbury,
Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000’s of women on their journey to Motherhood.
Hello,
I am really keen in using these oils but I would like to also use Castor Oil.
Which will be the best way to combine/alternate the two?
Dear Lianah,
If you purchased the essential oils on their own, then can be added to Castor Oil. I share how in my guide How to Enhance the Benefits of Castor Oil with Essential Oils. If you have Radiant Womb Massage Oil, it can be used with Fertility Massage after using a Castor Oil Pack. Use can also be alternated, Castor Oil one day, Radiant Womb the next.
There are not hard a fast rules. Enjoy!